Islamabad, 08 August , 2026 (Kamran Raja): A Pakistan Army captain embraced martyrdom while seven India-backed terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by security forces in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).The operation was launched on August 7 following intelligence reports about the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in the area. Security forces effectively engaged the militants’ hideout and killed seven terrorists.According to the ISPR, Captain Hamza Akram, 27, a resident of Narowal district, embraced martyrdom during the operation. The officer was leading his troops from the front and was martyred while pursuing the militants during an intense exchange of fire.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who were involved in multiple attacks targeting security forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians.Following the engagement, security forces launched a sanitisation operation to eliminate any remaining militants from the area.The ISPR reaffirmed that security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue operations across the country under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.
Meanwhile, security forces killed three militants belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and detained 12 suspects during a search and sanitisation operation in the Kambela and Asimabad areas of Mastung district, Balochistan.According to security sources, the operation was conducted under Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3, during which an area covering approximately 68 square kilometres was cleared through extensive search and clearance activities.Three militants were killed during the operation, while the bodies of two were recovered. Four other militants were injured, including a key commander identified as Shaukat Mama.Security personnel also detained 12 suspects for questioning. The forces dismantled militant hideouts and removed flags belonging to the Fitna al-Hindustan group from the area.
Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s major hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026.The report stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported more than 61% of the deaths, with 475 fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 265 deaths, or 34%.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the national total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, accounting for 35%.